What is a nostr relay?
A plain guide
A nostr relay is a simple server that receives signed events from clients, stores them, and sends them to anyone who asks. Nostr has no central server. Relays are how your notes travel.
Live data, updated
Good relays to start with
Download online relays (.txt)| # | Relay | Status | Latency | Users | Software | Add |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  relay.damus.io | Online | 164 ms | 3,772 | strfry | |
| 2 | Online | 330 ms | 3,897 | strfry | ||
| 3 |  relay.primal.net | Online | 399 ms | 2,778 | strfry | |
| 4 | Online | 330 ms | 1,584 | strfry | ||
| 5 | Online | 339 ms | 1,497 | strfry | ||
| 6 |  relay.ditto.pub | Online | 358 ms | 1,167 | ditto-relay |
How nostr relays work
Your client signs every note with your private key and sends it to the relays you write to over a WebSocket. Other people's clients connect to relays and ask for notes from people they follow. Relays never hold your key, so they cannot fake or edit your posts. They can only choose whether to store and share them.
Read relays and write relays
Write relays are where you publish. Read relays are where your client looks for your feed and mentions. NIP-65 lets you publish both lists as a kind 10002 event so other clients know where to find you. This is often called the outbox model.
How to choose nostr relays
- Uptime
- A relay that is often down loses your notes. Check its status before adding it.
- Reach
- Relays with many users mean more people see your notes.
- Latency
- Fast relays make your client feel snappy.
- Policy
- Paid, invite only or topic specific relays shape what you see.
Can I run my own nostr relay?
Yes. Popular relay software includes strfry, nostr-rs-relay, khatru and chorus. A personal relay is a great way to keep a full backup of your own notes alongside public relays.
Frequently asked questions
Is a nostr relay like a server on Mastodon?
Not quite. On Mastodon your account lives on one server. On nostr your identity is your key, and you can publish to many relays at once and switch relays at any time.
Do I need to pay to use nostr relays?
No. Many public relays are free. Some relays charge to reduce spam, which is optional.
What happens if a relay shuts down?
Notes stored only on that relay disappear. Writing to several relays protects you.